Volvo 'City Safety' crash system, Fiat majority owner of Chrysler

(Volvo)

Study: Volvo crash system successful
The "City Safety" automatic braking systems sold in some Volvos could slice the number of low-speed crashes that happen by one-quarter if widely adopted, the Highway Loss Data Institute says. The group, which analyzes claims for the insurance industry, reviewed the advanced forward-collision-avoidance system that has been standard in the Volvo XC60 SUV since the 2010 model year. The system uses an infrared laser sensor built into the windshield to automatically brake a vehicle and avoid a rear-end crash at low speeds. Vehicles equipped with the system had 27 percent fewer "at-fault" insurance claims for low-speed crashes compared with similar vehicles that did not have the safety feature.

--The Associated Press

(The Associated Press)

Fiat gains majority ownership of Chrysler
Fiat has achieved its long-awaited goal of becoming the majority owner in Chrysler now that the U.S. government's sale of its remaining stake in the company to Fiat has formally closed. Fiat also acquired last week the 1.5 percent stake in Chrysler held by Canada. Fiat now owns 53.5 percent of Chrysler. That percentage could increase to 58.5 percent by the end of the year when Chrysler begins producing a 40 mpg small car in the U.S.

--The Associated Press